What's the Buzz? 4/17/06
So it was Patriot's Day in Boston and the Sox, due to a full slate of games this week and the injury to David Wells, had rookie call-up Lenny DiNardo take the mound. Sounds like a character from Laverne and Shirley doesn't it? In any event, he put forth a solid effort giving up just 1 run in 5 innings. The bullpen, however, did not fare as well. But the hero of the day was 2B Mark Loretta who hit a walk-off HR off of "Everyday" Eddie Guardado in the bottom of the ninth for the victory. He needed it to as he has been in an awful slump ever since Coco Crisp went down. Look for Loretta to build some momentum from today.
The Marlins have lost OF Jeremy Hermida to the 15 day DL with a strained hip flexor. Another ROY candidate off to a slow start and then out with an injury. Good for you if you didn't buy into his pre-season hype. Chris Aguila becomes the primary RF with former Nationals reserve, Matt Cepicky acting as a backup.
Seriously...what is Jim Leyland's problem? Chris Shelton hit his league leading 9th HR today batting from the 6 hole behind today's DH Alexis Gomez. With Gomez and Magglio Ordonez going a combined 0-8, there were no chances for Shelton to knock anyone in. At this rate he'll have like 40 HRs and 50 RBI for the season...c'mon Jim...everyone sees it but you, gramps.
So while Joey Gathright does everything in his power to lose the job he was handed at the start of the season, OF Delmon Young is doing everything he can to force the Rays to bring him up. He's hitting .400 and already has 7 SB. He may not have any home runs yet, but they will come soon. Regardless, Gathright isn't playing because of his power so id Young any worse of a choice?
Rumor has it that we may have a Nomar Garciaparra sighting this weekend. I wonder how long after his return will we lose him again...
According to an article in the Dallas Morning News today, Gary Matthews, Jr. will now be the Rangers starting center fielder and new leadoff hitter. This certainly raises his value if he can produce and stay healthy while once again lowering the value of Brad Whifferson (I'm sticking with this until he proves otherwise). Brad still has a job, but only because of injuries right now. If Kevin Mench comes back strong and Laynce Nix (who just lost CF) can find a groove, then Whifferson could be seeing some platoon action.
With his velocity down and some early season struggles, Oakland SP Esteban Loaiza will be shuffled to the bullpen. He needs to prove something before Ken Macha even considers putting him back in the rotation.
Even though Tigers closer Todd Jones is returning this weeken, I recommend you hold onto Fernando Rodney if you have the space available. Jones is like 136 years old and could go down again at any moment. Rodney will continue to act as a setup guy for him, but will definitely help you in WHIP and ERA.
So it looks like Cardinals OF Jim Edmonds will miss the upcoming 3 game series against the Pirates, which begins today. Edmonds took a cortisone shot in the shoulder over the weekend and is not ready for game action just yet. Hopefully this will put the slugger back on track for later in the week.
Anyone catch Preston Wilson's line tonight? 0-5 with 5 K's...guess that golden sombrero came with a couple of maracas this time...
The Orioles lose OF David Newhan to a broken right fibula he got while sliding into second tonight. Luis Matos, Jeff Conine and even the beloved Corey Patterson should see an increase in playing time.
Barely making it through two weeks. If you thought the Griffey magic was back after last year's performance and you threw out a bid for him, tough luck here. Ken Griffey, Jr. goes on the 15 day DL for an inflamed tendon behind his right knee. The Reds say it's just being careful at this time of year, but the truth is yet to be seen, I think. Ryan Freel continues to get regular time in center field.
And finally, if the Hermida injury doesn't hurt the Marlins enough, they need to keep a short leash on their CF platoon. If Reggie Abercrombie doesn't improve on his 0-20, we should be seeing Eric Reed by himself in center field for the Marlins soon.
Catch you next time...
The Marlins have lost OF Jeremy Hermida to the 15 day DL with a strained hip flexor. Another ROY candidate off to a slow start and then out with an injury. Good for you if you didn't buy into his pre-season hype. Chris Aguila becomes the primary RF with former Nationals reserve, Matt Cepicky acting as a backup.
Seriously...what is Jim Leyland's problem? Chris Shelton hit his league leading 9th HR today batting from the 6 hole behind today's DH Alexis Gomez. With Gomez and Magglio Ordonez going a combined 0-8, there were no chances for Shelton to knock anyone in. At this rate he'll have like 40 HRs and 50 RBI for the season...c'mon Jim...everyone sees it but you, gramps.
So while Joey Gathright does everything in his power to lose the job he was handed at the start of the season, OF Delmon Young is doing everything he can to force the Rays to bring him up. He's hitting .400 and already has 7 SB. He may not have any home runs yet, but they will come soon. Regardless, Gathright isn't playing because of his power so id Young any worse of a choice?
Rumor has it that we may have a Nomar Garciaparra sighting this weekend. I wonder how long after his return will we lose him again...
According to an article in the Dallas Morning News today, Gary Matthews, Jr. will now be the Rangers starting center fielder and new leadoff hitter. This certainly raises his value if he can produce and stay healthy while once again lowering the value of Brad Whifferson (I'm sticking with this until he proves otherwise). Brad still has a job, but only because of injuries right now. If Kevin Mench comes back strong and Laynce Nix (who just lost CF) can find a groove, then Whifferson could be seeing some platoon action.
With his velocity down and some early season struggles, Oakland SP Esteban Loaiza will be shuffled to the bullpen. He needs to prove something before Ken Macha even considers putting him back in the rotation.
Even though Tigers closer Todd Jones is returning this weeken, I recommend you hold onto Fernando Rodney if you have the space available. Jones is like 136 years old and could go down again at any moment. Rodney will continue to act as a setup guy for him, but will definitely help you in WHIP and ERA.
So it looks like Cardinals OF Jim Edmonds will miss the upcoming 3 game series against the Pirates, which begins today. Edmonds took a cortisone shot in the shoulder over the weekend and is not ready for game action just yet. Hopefully this will put the slugger back on track for later in the week.
Anyone catch Preston Wilson's line tonight? 0-5 with 5 K's...guess that golden sombrero came with a couple of maracas this time...
The Orioles lose OF David Newhan to a broken right fibula he got while sliding into second tonight. Luis Matos, Jeff Conine and even the beloved Corey Patterson should see an increase in playing time.
Barely making it through two weeks. If you thought the Griffey magic was back after last year's performance and you threw out a bid for him, tough luck here. Ken Griffey, Jr. goes on the 15 day DL for an inflamed tendon behind his right knee. The Reds say it's just being careful at this time of year, but the truth is yet to be seen, I think. Ryan Freel continues to get regular time in center field.
And finally, if the Hermida injury doesn't hurt the Marlins enough, they need to keep a short leash on their CF platoon. If Reggie Abercrombie doesn't improve on his 0-20, we should be seeing Eric Reed by himself in center field for the Marlins soon.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
9:57 PM
